Degrees/Diplomas

Here is a list of the different levels and kinds of diplomas/certificates/degrees that are awarded within the higher education system of the UK: (professional/vocational/ university diplomas)

Undergraduate Studies:
- First Diploma (1 year) (pro.)
- National Diploma (2-3 years) (pro.)
- Higher National Diploma (3 years) (pro.)
- Diploma of Higher Education (2 years) (univ.)
- Bachelor's Degree (3 or 4 years) (univ.)
Postgraduate Studies: (years of study after Bachelor's Degree)
- Certificate (4 or 5 years) (univ.)
- Diploma (4 or 5 years) (univ.)
- Master's Degree (4 to 6 years) (univ.)
- Master of Philosophy (6 to 8 years) (univ.)
- Doctorate (7 to 9 years) (univ.)
- Higher Doctorate (variable) (univ.)

University Education:

Undergraduate level
This level of education requires three or four years of university study and provides the student with a Bachelor’s degree in various subjects, such as Comparative Literature, Sciences and other disciplines (engineering, law, technologies, etc.). In certain universities and ‘colleges of higher education’ a curriculum of two years permits a ‘Diploma of Higher Education’ to be awarded to the student.

Graduate level
After the Bachelor’s degree, the Master’s degree is obtained after one or two years of study in a specialized subject. The candidates must submit a report on the specialized subject.

Postgraduate level (Master of Philosophy (MPH), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
At this level, the curriculum is limited to pure research studies. It consists of two years of addtional studies to attain a Master’s degree and if a thesis is presented a Master of Philosophy is awarded. An additional 7 to 9 years of research of a thesis, in order to attain a Doctorate.

Higher Doctorate
In all areas of study the candidate can obtain a higher doctorate after he/she has finished all the prior levels and after having several of his/her works published.

MBA (Master in Business Administration)
This study is for further and specialized education and is for students and young employees who have gained some work experience after obtaining a BA.

Non university higher education
Vocational and technical education is offered by the technical colleges, colleges of further and higher education and colleges that are independently accredited. Once you have completed a program of study in these non-university institutions, the Business and Technology Education Council will award the graduates the following diplomas: "First Diploma" for one year of study; "National Diploma" for two or three years of study; and "Higher National Diploma" for three years of study.